Syria has a new parliament for the first time since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The 210 member body began its legislative duties on July 1, 2026, in a session that marks a clean break from decades of Assad family rule.
A chamber born from a collapsed regime
The parliament convened in Damascus, the capital, after elections that followed the end of al-Assad's government. Lawmakers took their seats in a building that for years had been a symbol of one party control. The previous parliament was dissolved after al-Assad fled the country in late 2024, ending more than 50 years of his family's grip on power.
Local Syrians watched the session with a mix of hope and caution. For many, the sight of a new legislature represented a tangible step toward a different kind of politics. The chamber includes members from various regions and backgrounds, though the exact breakdown of party affiliations has not been fully detailed.
What the new parliament will do first
The body's initial tasks include setting rules for its own operation and beginning work on legislation that had been stalled for years. Lawmakers are expected to address urgent issues such as rebuilding infrastructure, managing the return of refugees, and stabilizing the economy. The parliament also must approve a new cabinet and oversee the drafting of a permanent constitution.
Syria's transitional government has been operating since al-Assad's fall, but the parliament gives the process a legislative anchor. The session was broadcast on state television, and citizens in cafes and homes across the country watched the proceedings.
Why this matters to Syrians
For ordinary Syrians, the parliament's return is not just a political event. It is a signal that the old order is truly gone. Under al-Assad, the legislature was widely seen as a rubber stamp for presidential decrees. Now, for the first time in generations, lawmakers are operating without a single family controlling the outcome.
The parliament's success or failure will likely shape how Syrians view their post war future. Many are tired after more than a decade of civil war and displacement. They want to see whether this new institution can deliver basic services, pass laws that protect rights, and hold the government accountable.
The opening session ended with a pledge from the speaker to serve the Syrian people. Whether the parliament can earn their trust will be tested in the months ahead.
